Wendell M. Roush

Wendell M. Roush was born February 22, 1922 in Winfield, PA, the son of the late Robert F. and Ethel R. (Klingler) Roush. Wendell lived and was educated in the Selinsgrove schools and graduated with the class of 1940.

Wendell married his high school sweetheart, Velma Kline, in May 1941. He remained a dedicated and loving husband until Velma’s passing in 1987. Wendell married Mary Alice Dell in 1988 who passed away in 2009.

Wendell served in the US Navy from May 1944 until February 1946 and was assigned to the USS LSM 299. Interrupted only by his service with the Navy, Wendell had a long career with Ott Packaging in Selinsgrove. Wendell began at Ott as a trainee just out of high school in his teens and eventually worked his way up to General Manager. Ultimately, Wendell stayed on with Ott as a consultant/trainer after retiring from his full-time career. Never wanting to be idle, after officially “retiring” Wendell worked for a short time at Montgomery Wards before its’ closing, and then went on to work at Lowes Home Improvement Store until he was in his early 90’s.

Earlier in his life, Wendell became active in scouting as a young boy and later as Scout Master at Troop 19. In the many years to follow Wendell was also involved in PTA, St. Paul’s UCC, Selinsgrove Borough Council, Selinsgrove Community Chest, past president of Susquehanna Valley Country Club, American Legion Victory Post 25 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6631, all of Selinsgrove. Recently, Wendell was honored by the VFW as being “the last man” in the Last Man’s Club of WWII era veterans in the Selinsgrove area.

Wendell was also an avid golfer throughout his life and held onto those clubs, as well as his ability to still play a few holes, until he was in his early 90’s. He was noted to sport a few holes-in-one during his many years on the course at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club.

Wendell is survived lovingly by three daughters and one son-in-law; Susan Alford (Seattle, WA), Janice L and Ralph Hughey (Williamsport, PA) and Wendy K Feldman (Albany, NY); four granddaughters and 2 great-grandsons, his sister Beatrice Bright (St. Charles, MO) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is

proceeded in death by his sister Mary Ritter, his brother Robert Roush, and brother-in-law Benjamin Bright.

Wendell was a staple in his beloved town of Selinsgrove and will be sorely missed by family and friends. Calling hours and a funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 400 N. Market St. Selinsgrove, PA 17870 on Monday November 4, 2019.  Calling hours will be from 4-6 p.m. followed by a funeral service to begin at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, for those who desire, contributions may be made to St. Paul’s UCC, the Boy Scouts of America or a charity of the donor’s choice. 

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